South African patent applications

Information required to file a patent application

In order to prepare and file a patent application, we require:

• A full description of the invention and its novel features, with sketches, drawings or photographs, and, if available, a model or prototype of the invention.
• An explanation of how the invention constitutes an advance or improvement on existing devices or processes of a similar nature.
• Details of any alternative forms of the invention or possible modifications of the invention.
• The full name, residential address, occupation, and nationality of each inventor and of each applicant. Please note that it is essential to name the actual inventor or inventors. An inventor is the person or group of people who actually invented the invention. A company or a person who acquired the invention from someone else cannot be an inventor. Furthermore, a draftsman or model builder who merely carries out the instructions of the inventor is also not an inventor.
• Where applicable, the full names and capacity of the person who will sign on behalf of the applicant.
• Micro-organisms: Special considerations apply in respect of inventions comprising, or making use of, micro-organisms. Further information in this regard can be supplied on request.

For further detail please click here to download our information document on Patents for Inventions.